On December 19, a solemn ceremony to hand over the Peace Light of Bethlehem to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine took place near the military church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Traditionally, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, personally received the Light from the hands of the youngest scouts.

The ceremony was also attended by military chaplains, representatives of the Plast scouting organization, and DIU employees.

"Bethlehem Peace Light is a long-standing scouting tradition. For more than 30 years, Plast has been bringing the Light to Ukraine, which is lit in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes our unity, mutual support, and the fact that even in the darkest times, the Light of our deeds can dispel the darkness. We pass this fire on to all who need it and wish to receive it from us. We also pass this Light to our defenders on the front line," said Iryna Zahirska, a representative of the Kyiv Plast, in her speech and presented Kyrylo Budanov with a souvenir T-shirt from the Ukrainian scouts.

In turn, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine presented Ms. Zahirska with a letter of gratitude from the military intelligence and accepted a lamp with the Bethlehem Light from the youngest Plast members.

"First of all, I congratulate everyone on the upcoming holidays! Thank you for once again bringing us the Peace Light of Bethlehem. May this symbol of peace serve our entire country, which needs peace. Let's hope for the best. Thank you to all the dear Plast members, and move together to Victory. Because peace is Victory!" said Kyrylo Budanov, addressing the audience at the ceremony.

Upon completion of the ceremony, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Plast members went to the temple, where they lit the lamps from the Bethlehem Light they brought. These lamps will be handed over to the combat units of the military intelligence at the frontline.